Category Archives: addiction

gut-microbiata

Resetting Gut Microbiota Reset Sanity

February 20, 2016

Resetting Gut Microbiota for healthy brain

There are millions of bacteria inhabiting the human body. Many of them are harmful, but many of them are not only benign but downright essential to the proper functioning of the human body. The prevalence of antibiotic treatments has affected the balance of bacteria in the body. Laxatives, surgical procedures, and heavy metals have also adversely impacted the balance of microbes in the digestive systems of many individuals. we are therefore going to focus this discussion on resetting gut microbiota to restore our sanity back.

What is the effect of this imbalance?

The deficiency of beneficial gut bacteria naturally affects healthy gut function, with the resulting symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, stomach cramps, and bloating, as well as other digestion-related diseases such as celiac and Crohn’s disease. Obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), and nutritional deficiencies are also linked to the imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria.

Resetting Gut Microbiota

Resetting Gut Microbiota a perfect way of Resetting Sanity

However, more and more research is also pointing to a link between gut health and mental health. Studies in Norway, for instance, have shown that high levels of certain bacteria were found in fecal samples of depressive patients. Whereas studies in mice fed probiotics rich in Lactobacilli show that the mice were less likely to react adversely to stress and exhibited lower anxiety.

Many studies have been conducted on the actions of Lactobacilli, and it has been found to release GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter which calms nervousness. Anti-anxiety drugs such as Valium and Xanax work by targeting GABA receptors. Other chemicals secreted by microbes include serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters responsible for determining and regulating mood.

Depression, anxiety, and disorders such as autism and hyperactivity have also been shown to be affected and caused by imbalances in the gut microbiota. The harmful microbes in the gut are somehow able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and affect neural pathways. Many psychiatric diseases are being linked with microbial imbalances.

At the Integrative Addiction Conference (http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/), one of the questions under discussion will be: How can gut microbiota be reset?

There are a few steps that can be followed to create the most beneficial microbial environment.

  1. Sugar

Sugar has been found to impact negatively gut flora. The changes associated with diets that are high in sugar also include detrimental effects to long- and short-term memory. Sugar is very quickly digested and leaves nothing for the microbes to consume, with the result that they start to consume the lining of the intestine, leading to leaky gut syndrome and allowing the harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream more easily. Sugar also feeds other organisms such as Candida albican, a fungal infection with many wide-reaching effects.

  1. Diet

Eating more leafy green vegetables is high on the list of ways to reset gut bacteria. Unlike sugars, plant-based diets provide a smorgasbord for the microbes, allowing them to perform their functions and also encourages a wider diversity of beneficial bacteria. Diets high in animal proteins and fats also affect gut flora and inflammation.

  1. Antibiotics

The wide-spread use of antibiotics in the treatment of disease severely impacts gut flora. Antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum antibiotics, cannot differentiate between harmful and commensal bacteria, and can wreak havoc on our gut microbiota. Fortunately, the negative effects of antibiotics can be countered with probiotics.

  1. Anti-microbial cleaners

Like antibiotics, anti-microbial and antiseptic cleaners destroy all microbes, not just the harmful ones. Exposure to a range of “germs” will increase the variety of and diversify the microbiota in your body. Eliminating all forms of bacteria from surfaces and in our homes will have a detrimental effect on the essential bacteria you need. This also applies to the chlorine used to purify drinking water and in swimming pools – this chlorine can seriously affect gut flora further explaining why resetting gut microbiota i essential.

  1. Fermented foods

Fermented foods offer a broad range of probiotic benefits, and in fact, can be more effective than probiotic supplements. Unsweetened yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha tea, and pickles all contain a wide spectrum of beneficial bacteria.

  1. Stress

There are any studies that show a link between stress and gut health meaning that resetting gut microbiota is very vital. The constant pressure that stress places on the endocrine system affects the immune response of your body, with the result that the immune system starts attacking the bacteria in your gut. Learning to relax and recharge will ease the pressure on the immune system.

  1. Sleep

Dr. David Perlmutter explains in his book Brain Maker: “When cortisol levels go up in the morning, the gut bacteria inhibit production of cytokines, and this shift defines the transition between non-REM and REM sleep. Hence, disruption of the gut bacteria can have significant negative effects on sleep and circadian rhythms. Balancing by resetting the gut, break through insomnia.”

The opposite is also true: disruption of sleep patterns can also negatively impact gut flora.

  1. Exercise

Studies in professional athletes showed that their intestinal microbiomes were far more diverse compared to normal people. In the book The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-Term Health, scientists Justin and Erica Sonnenburg write: “Several physiological changes that result from exercise, such as increasing intestinal transit time (or flow rate) through the gut, influencing metabolism, and altering immune function, are known to affect the microbiota.”

Resetting gut health can also reset mental health as the microbes present in the gut become more effective and reduce the negative psychological effects of poor gut health.

For more information on the topic of resetting gut microbiota and the link to psychological disorders, visit http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/ and register to attend the Integrated Addiction Conference, where this and many similar topics will be under discussion.

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Sexting

Understanding computer addiction a silent killer

February 19, 2016

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: The negative impact of computer addiction

Understanding computer addiction

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer is the starting point of the long journey of recovery

The title of this discussion may cause jittery and leave you asking so many question like how, why and since when is computer addiction became a silent killer? If these are your concern, then you are at the right place because in a little while we are going to help you understand even as we dig deep into understanding computer addiction as a silent killer. The negative impact comes in the sense that while some people are using computers, their usage soon develops into something compulsive which can either be online or offline thereby inhibiting their daily routines, relationships, activities and the general well-being of an individual. Besides that it has also been established that computer addiction may also come as a result of compulsive online gambling, online shopping problem, web surfing or even obsessive computer programming says doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility where all addiction related complications are professionally corrected. But then again even as we get to the definition of computer addiction, we must get certain facts right. Like for instance it is not all about the hours you take before a computer makes you addicted to it that school of thought may not be 100% correct. Nonetheless experts are agreeing that even though not all people gets addicted to computers by staying on for more hours, the time factor is a serious variable of consideration. Therefore what is really computer addiction?

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: What is computer addiction?

Like it is with other forms of addiction, this addiction is characterized by the extreme desire and subsequent use of the internet or the computer to the extent that it causes certain significant negativity socially, financially, physically, emotionally to the users. Any excess preoccupation with computers can injure any stable relationship; bring problems with productivity or problems with self-care and hygiene. It is therefore very important to recognize that not all people who spend hours each day on the computer are considered addicted. However and like we had indicated above, there are many people who spend more time using computers and the internet on a daily basis but are still not be considered to be addicts. This is because individual situation is different meaning that, there is no set number of hours that is (or is not) considered a potential for computer addiction. Therefore if this is the case, then what are the indicators of computer addiction?

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: How do you identify the signs of computer addiction?

There are many ways through which individuals may recognize if they or someone they love is actually addicted to the computer. Doctor Akoury says that even though there is no specific physical dependence that can evolve from the excessive usage of computers, we do have a number of emotional or psychological issues that can be present. It will therefore means that we have to be attentive to the possible signs of computer addiction so that we can make informed decisions about the signs of computer addiction early enough and seek for help immediately. The following are some of the indicators of this problem:

  • Any evidence of preoccupation with the computer either online or offline
  • Consistent feelings of a burning desire to go online or to use the computer to play a game, to socialize or to develop programming codes
  • Ignoring important family functions like special events or other activities that you were once happy to be a part of in favor of spending time on the computer.
  • Telling lies to your family about the activities that you perform while on the computer, like for instance you could be saying that you are working on writing a proposal when you are actually playing a game.
  • Having anxious feelings when you want to use the computer, know you will be able to use the computer or know that your use of the computer will be limited
  • Mood swings or irritability when you are not allowed to spend as much time on the computer as you would like to or if your computer time is interrupted
  • Telling yourself that you will get off the computer at a certain time and fails to keep your own promise.

The list above can continue to be long because people are affected differently and that brings us to our next point. What are some of the effects of computer addiction?

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: Effects of computer addiction

If you don’t appreciate wise saying (too much of something is dangerous) then you may not think that using the computer excessively can have a negative impact on your life. Nonetheless too much use of computers or compulsive use as it is also known can actually lead to a number of lasting consequences at your work station, home and social life. Therefore if you or someone you know is struggling with computer addiction, then you or your friend may be experiencing any of the following effects of compulsive computer use:

  • Poor self-hygiene because you are too “busy” with your involvement with the computer to take time out to shower, eat, brush your teeth and hair or otherwise take care of yourself
  • Loss of a job due to a lack of productivity because time was spent on the computer performing other tasks that provided you with satisfaction
  • Loss of relationships due to spending too much time on the computer and not enough time with a friend or loved one
  • Giving up career goals in an effort to spend more time on the computer
  • Lack of productivity on school assignment because you are distracted by your desire to use the computer
  • Poor self-esteem because you feel socially inept
  • Inability to experience pleasure when performing tasks that are not done on a computer. You may not feel relief or gratification unless you are taking part in a task that involves using a computer
  • Overspending on hardware, software or other computer items
  • Inability to interact socially except when on the computer such as online in chat groups or social networking sites
  • Feelings of failure because you have tried to control your computer usage and despite your efforts have failed at your attempts

Finally even though the consequences of computer addiction can cause life’s frustration in an individual’s life social, financially and emotionally, the good news is that this problem has remedies. Many of the complications we have outlined above are treatable and can be easily reversed with time. For instance, while you may lose a relationship when you are addicted to the computer, getting the treatment you need to overcome the addiction can lead to the building of new, lasting relationships or the re-building of a past relationship that suffered as a result of your addiction. I am persuaded that this is what you are looking for and that you are purposing to redeem your lost time with your loved ones. If this description suits your case, then schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today and you will certainly be on the right truck of recovery.

http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/

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Behavioral Addiction and Brain Function

Gambling addiction treatment restores sanity

February 19, 2016

Gambling addiction treatment eliminates the silent killer: Is it the greatest behavioral addiction?

Gambling addiction

Gambling addiction treatment is proving lasting solutions to all gambling addiction related problems. Therefore move fast and take action now

The availability of gambling addiction treatment is to primarily assist members of the society who are suffer from a gambling problem also known as compulsive gambling. Even though some may overlook at this problem, it has been established that the support, care and resources provided during and after treatment help direct victims to overcome and get their lives back on track. This is what experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury does best. In fact for more than two decades of professionalism in delivering quality and real time addiction treatment, millions across the globe have registered positive testimonies and feed backs that can only act as a motivation to the team of experts under doctor Akoury’s care to continue in delivering health back to those who desperately needs it. You can also become part of the beneficiaries of this noble course by scheduling for an appointment with her (doctor Akoury) today. In the meantime let continue informing you about the gambling addiction treatment and how this single act can eliminate one of the silent killers of our time behavioral addiction.

Like we have mentioned, gambling is commonly referred to as the “silent addiction” or the “silent killer”. This baptism is given because the addiction in many instances goes unnoticed for a long period of time thereby causing great financial and emotional harm before anyone including the victims themselves realizes that it’s a problem to be addressed. Because of the individual uniqueness in this addiction, when it comes to treatment and recovery from gambling addiction so many different means and methods of care are administered to assist and correct those unique needs and to eliminate the suffering and tremendous burden that are associated with gambling addiction off the shoulders of direct victims. Doctor Akoury is registering that once one is addicted to gambling, great denial sets foot in making it very difficult for gamblers to gain courage of seeking for help. It therefore means that where we can prevent we should by all means however if you or any of your loved ones are already struggling with gambling, help is just a phone call (843 213 1480) away.

Gambling addiction treatment eliminates the silent killer: Appreciating the need for gambling addiction treatment

Gamblers are very secretive and sometimes it becomes very difficult to know in the first place if truly they are struggling with this addiction. Because there is a lot of masking and downplaying the whole situation we have to live with this problem for quite sometimes before it is clearly revealed to us. However according to the US National Library OF Medicine a few signs have been established that can indicate the need for gambling addiction treatment. Those signs may include the following:

  • If the individual is defensive about his or her gambling activities
  • If the individual runs out of money or is secretive about money
  • Borrowing to gamble
  • Taking drastic measures in order to fund gambling
  • Depression or altered mood when not gambling
  • Increased happiness when gambling
  • Suicidal thoughts

Gambling addiction treatment eliminates the silent killer: Abstinence from gambling

One of the best ways of stopping gambling addiction is abstinence. This would have been the best if victims would be faithful to keep the promise but it is not a popular one because keeping the promise has been a serious hurdle. Because of this challenge it has become necessary that proper treatment be administered to overcoming gambling addiction for the following reasons:

  • Overtime the gambler will develop cravings or urges to gamble and will often resort to gambling to control these feelings. Treatment will address this.
  • The gambling will then lead to feelings of depression because the individual feels as if they have been defeated and this may result in relapsing against their own promise to themselves not to gamble.
  • These feelings, of depression and defeat, will usually lead to increased gambling and the cycle continues.

Gambling addiction treatment eliminates the silent killer: Types of Gambling Addiction Treatment

Ideally when it comes to gambling addiction treatment, in most cases treatment will consist of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in most of the health facilities whether inpatient or outpatient. These treatment methods focus on the total transformation of the patient from the unhealthy gambling thoughts and behaviors into rational, healthy thought processes and behaviors. With this the gamblers are able to learn new and effective strategies of defeating the urge to gamble, how to control all the triggers that motivates them into gambling and finding solutions to the problems caused by their gambling addiction. The following are therefore some of the types of treatment common for those who suffer from gambling addiction:

Finally even as you consider taking appropriate action towards this problem, it is important to note that AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and Gamblers Anonymous are some of the best support group that have for several decades have helped millions globally to be free from their gambling addiction by way of enabling sustainable ways of remaining on the direct path of continued abstinence from gambling through peer support. The groups use 12-step recovery methods similar to those which are outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous for the treatment of alcohol addiction among other relevant treatment methods. If you or any of your loved ones is showing signs of gambling addiction, you can help them by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your journey to total gambling addiction recovery. Waste no time and get your life back on truck with real committed professionals.

http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/

 

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Excess sugar consumption

Obesity Is An Addiction Not A Lifestyle

February 19, 2016

Why Obesity Is An Addiction Not A Lifestyle

Obesity is rapidly becoming the single biggest health risk in the world. There are over one billion obese adults worldwide, and this number is growing daily. The United States has the highest obesity rates out of all the developed countries surveyed. Estimates claim that nearly a third of all adults over the age of twenty in the U.S. are obese.

food addictionObesity can lead to many metabolic disorders, including diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension, cholesterol-related diseases, heart disease, and osteoarthritis. The risk of cancer arising in organs such as the kidneys, gallbladder, prostrate, and breasts also increases exponentially with increased body weight.

A person is judged to be obese if their BMI (Body Mass Index) exceeds 30. The calculation for BMI is kg/m2, or weight in kilograms divided the square of the height in meters.

To many observers, obesity is an indication of laziness or lack of personal care. A Recent study into this subject has shown that many factors are responsible for the meteoric rise in obesity rates over recent years. Possible causes include sedentary lifestyles, the prevalence and convenience of fast food, and highly processed meals containing high levels of fats and sugars. Also, overweight people tend to marry other overweight people and pass the genes that predispose them to gain weight on to the next generation. The poor eating habits of the parents are also passed on to the children through imitation and observation.

There are also heightened stress levels experienced by many people in today’s society, and the response to this stress is often over indulgence in “comfort foods”.

There is now also evidence that supports the theory that obesity is an addiction. Studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show that obese people experience the same chemical response to eating as drug addicts do to narcotics. There is also evidence that dopamine levels are increased by eating, inducing a feeling of euphoria and well-being that can only be replicated by eating more.

In The Canadian Medical Association Journal, researcher Dr. Valerie Taylor writes: “The concept of addiction is complex, and the delineation of its defining characteristics has fostered considerable debate. Despite a lack of consensus, researchers nevertheless agree that the process involves a compulsive pattern of use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences.”

It used to be believed that behavioral addictions such eating, sex, and gambling were not true addictions, because the need for these behaviors was psychological rather than physiological, as in the case of narcotics and alcohol which perceptibly alter and affect the brain chemistry. However, it has come to be proven that these behaviors cause the same chemical changes in the brain as substances such as drugs.

As with other addictions, the user becomes accustomed to the addicting substance, in this case, food, with the result that ever-increasing quantities are required to elicit the same response. And as with other addictions, food addicts can suffer withdrawal symptoms when the food is restricted, as when dieting.

There are other parallels in patterns of behavior between overeaters and substance abusers. They will attempt, unsuccessfully, to “quit” the addiction, and their eating habits can affect their social interactions and other activities. As with drug and alcohol addicts, overeaters continue the pattern of socially and self-destructive behavior despite knowing the effects of such behavior on their bodies and the lives of those around them. Substance abusers and overeaters also share some psychological traits, and some studies have shown that food addicts also have other dependencies.

One obstacle in the treatment of food addiction is that food is necessary to sustain life. It is impossible to go “cold turkey”, for simple reasons of survival.

Addiction therapies such as twelve step programs and pharmacological treatments can be applied to overeating in the same way that they are to alcohol and drug abuse, and have shown to yield good results.

Preventing food addiction in children is easier than curing it in adults. Educating children in healthy eating habits and the benefits of a healthy meal plan can help to prevent the occurrence of overeating in later life.

Check out our Integrative Addiction Conference 2016 being held in Austin, Texas

 

Viewing obesity as an addiction and applying similar treatment methods can improve results in those individuals where previous weight-loss efforts yielded no result. It has been found that the traditional weight loss methods of improved diet and exercise will not solve the problem if the underlying issue is a psychological one. While they may show initial improvements, most obese people will not maintain weight loss unless a holistic treatment is implemented to address the addictive behavior.

At the Integrated Addiction Conference to be held later this year, the relationship of obesity to addiction will be explored in greater detail by expert speakers. Register now at http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/ for access to the conference and to learn more about the program and other topics that will come under discussion.

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Addiction Recovery

Shopping addiction treatment restore relationships

February 18, 2016

Shopping addiction treatment strengthens relationships: What you stand to gain by solving shopping addiction problem

Shopping addiction

Shopping addiction like any other addiction must be addressed medically and that way relationships will be strengthen

For a very long time it has not occurred to people how shopping addiction can impact negatively to our social lives. Many social activities are bound to suffer if this (shopping addiction) is not addressed. Whereas it may not have any direct health complication, the social injury it will inflict can be very devastating. Therefore anyone who is struggling with shopping addiction is likely to have serious social problems with the people around them in terms of their finances, relationships and your even mental health. To avoid this doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, a health facility whose primary objective is to help people across the globe find life more enjoyable through effective and professional addiction treatment is registering that getting help is the best decision that one struggling with this can take to benefit wholesomely for the rest of the years to come.

I am aware that a number of people love visiting shopping malls within their borders and abroad because shopping has become like a hobby to them. However when this hobby goes to the extreme where one goes shopping even for the things they don’t need or have already bought then it translate into an addiction called compulsive buying disorder. At this point the addicts becomes so much into it that they literally find it too difficult if not impossible to prevent on their own. If this description suits your situation, then you need help because sooner or later this will cause real issues in your life including issues relating to financial, legal, or psychological problems. Unless these are addressed says doctor Akoury “you will continue struggling with them and because of this (your compulsion to shop), you should consider attending shopping addiction treatment immediately. The good news is that besides AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center there are so many other treatment facilities and programs available for this sort of issue, and it can be much more beneficial than continuing to ignore the problem. With compulsive buying disorder treatment, you can end your addiction to shopping for good.

Shopping addiction treatment strengthens relationships: Do I need shopping addiction treatment?

Somebody once said that behavioral addiction is the silent killer people often ignore as they run to solving what is seen as chronic health complications like diabetes heart disease and the likes. But take a moment and look at the weight in this statement in relation to our discussion. We have already stated that many individuals like shopping and may take it in as a hobby and sometimes can even be obsessed with the whole thing. Yes shopping is not bad, but it is important to remember that when it reaches the point of obsessions, even though we may not understand them in others, it can make people happy, however, the addiction part of it will not. The compulsive action of shopping involved in this disorder makes a person buy things even if they do not want to or do not have the money and the consequences of such behavior can really cause social breakdown.

Shopping addiction treatment strengthens relationships: Signs and symptoms of compulsive shopping

Knowledge is power and therefore it is good that you’re informed of these signs of shopping addiction for you to take remedial action promptly. Therefore If you are wondering whether or not you may be addicted to shopping, look for these signs of compulsive shopping in your life and take timely action to salvage the situation before it is too late:

Are you thinking more than you want to about shopping? – This could happen in environments where shopping should not be thought of like when you are in class, at work, or otherwise engaged in another activity. If in such environments all that rings in your mind is shopping instead of concentrating on your current work you could be developing shopping addiction.

You prefer to shop alone to avoid embarrassment or distraction – If you are constantly buying more than you need or should buy, you may feel uncomfortable doing so with other individuals. Furthermore, if you feel that other people are always a distraction to your shopping, it may be more of an anxious activity for you than a fun one.

Your shopping time is prolonged that necessary – If this description suits you then you need to take action. Check your shopping trend does it cause you to miss other important appointments consistently? Do you always loose truck every time you are shopping, take note this could be a strong indicator of shopping addiction and you should consider treatment.

You buy things you don’t need or want or always buy more items than you planned – if you are that person who always quick to purchase new items even if you don’t need them this could be a sign of compulsion that shows that you are not in control of your shopping. And if you constantly buy more than you intended to buy to the point that it affects your monetary situation, this is another bad sign.

You hide what you buy to avoid conflicts at home – Also if you hide the debt that you are in because of your constant buying, this is another sign of addiction. Addicts can become very secretive and justify actions that they know are wrong in order to keep fueling their addiction.

Finally doctor Akoury concludes that anyone who is addicted to shopping may also experience “pre-purchase tension or anxiety” which diminishes immediately the thirst for shopping is quenched by taking time out to shop. The social implications that comes with shopping addiction is one that you do not want to find yourself in and therefore the sooner you take shopping addiction treatment seriously the better. You may want to schedule for an appointment with experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury for a more elaborate and professional treatment.

http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/

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